PTSD, Trauma, Abuse and Other Stress-Related Disorders: Hope for Healing and Recovery

The media has focused much needed attention on the harmful effects of modern war on returning veterans. As such, nearly everyone has heard of PTSD, which stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. This extra attention has helped many people with PTSD get the help they need. However, PTSD is only one type of unhealed trauma. As the following case illustrates, other lesser-known manifestations of trauma often go unnoticed and/or are misdiagnosed. We hope this article provides hope to anyone who is affected by trauma in all its many forms.

To everyone who knew her, Katrina was the very picture of success. She owned and operated a very successful and profitable business. She drove a nice car, owned a home in a nice neighborhood, and had four children who adored her. She generously volunteered her time to charitable organizations and regularly attended her children's sch...

What are Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders?

One of the major changes in the newest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, 2013) was the inclusion of a new group of disorders called Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders.

This involved the re-classification and modification of several existing disorders that were previously classified elsewhere in the manual.

This change in classification reflected a change in our understanding about the impact of unhealed trauma and unmanaged stress on human behavior.

What are the signs and symptoms of Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders?

Different configurations of these symptoms form specific diagnoses within the classification of Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders, but generally include:

Intrusive Symptoms - People experiencing these intrusive symptoms describe it as though they are right back there, reliving and re-experiencing the trauma all over again. These are called intrusive symptoms because they are unwanted, unbidden, and therefore, involuntary.

Distressing Images, Thoughts, Memories - A distressing memory, image or thought is something that you can't get out of your head related to trauma or stress. These may occur spontaneously, or they may be cued/triggered.

Flashbacks, Dissociative Reactions - A flashback, while certainly intrusive, is also dissociative, which means there is a brief or extended period where time and reality are suspended.

Intense or Prolonged Psychological Distress - Exposure to reminders or cues associated with a traumatizing experience can trigger symptoms of severe psychological distress such as depression, panic attacks, and even hallucinations.

Negative Thoughts and Feelings - Since unhealed wounds can affect our mood states, it make sense to pay attention to unhelpful thinking patterns, and to explore our feelings about ourselves and the world around us.

Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms - This category of symptoms has also been called heightened arousal and includes behaviors like jumpiness, sleep disturbances, irritability and/or aggressive behavior, problems with concentration, and reckless or self-destructive behaviors.

What causes the symptoms of Trauma-Related Disorders?

In trying to understand the impact of unhealed trauma on the human brain, it\'s helpful to have a basic understanding of the brain.

A simple model of the human brain is to envision it as three separate brains (the triune brain); each with its own separate functions and sense of time. These parts are:

R-complex brain or brainstem - The base of the brain contains the cerebellum, and it directly connects to the spinal cord. This part is responsible for functions like reflexive behaviors, muscle control, balance, breathing, heartbeat, feeding/digestion, and reproduction.

The limbic brain - This area is the center of emotion and learning. This part also includes the amygdala, which scans for any threat or danger, and sends out a signal to other parts of the brain when a threat is perceived.

The cerebral brain or neocortex - this part is responsible for things that make us distinctly human: logic; reasoning skills; analysis and problem-solving; speech and verbal understanding; meaning-making; willpower; and, wisdom.

How are Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders treated?

The simplest framework for healing trauma dates back to the late 1800s and includes 3 stages - Stabilization, Identification and Relapse prevention.

One great misconception about trauma counseling is that once trauma is processed or cleared, then it's gone. A healthier and more accurate approach is to view trauma as something that can be healed, but not cured. A cure implies you either have a disease or disorder, or you do not. Healing implies various degrees of adaptation and adjustment that occur over time.

Trauma recovery looks different for each survivor. It is largely dependent upon each person's recovery goals.

Cognitive therapies focus on modifying those dysfunctional thoughts so that feelings and behaviors improve.

Mindfulness teaches people to live in a state of acceptance with a keen awareness of the present moment, and recognizes that thoughts are just that - merely thoughts. They don't represent any truth or reality.

Medications - Before you agree to take a medication, be sure you have specifically mentioned to the provider your trauma background. Many symptoms of trauma and stressor-related disorders look like symptoms of other disorders. Without properly considering your trauma background, your provider may prescribe medications that are not helpful, and may even make things worse.